Teenager McIlroy still favourite for silver medal

CARNOUSTIE, Scotland, July 20 (Reuters) Surprise package Rory McIlroy is still the favourite to win the silver medal as top amateur despite following up his opening 68 with a five-over 76 in the British Open second round today.

A few wayward shots, one costing a double-bogey six after he found a hazard at the ninth, and several missed short putts gave the teenage Briton a two-over total of 144.

The 18-year-old from Northern Ireland, the youngest player in the major, was eight shots off Spaniard Sergio Garcia's early halfway lead.

Asked what his target was for the final two rounds, McIlroy told reporters: ''A top-10 finish. To go out there and play well, hole a few putts.

''There's no reason why I can't play my way into the championship again next year.'' The lad from Holywood is already assured of celebrity, however.

With his opposition struggling to make the cut, he looks poised to win the award for top amateur on Sunday.

''I'm through to the weekend so I'm relieved about that,'' said McIlroy. ''I struggled a bit today, it was a lot tougher than yesterday.

''The wind picked up. I didn't play as well as I did yesterday but I'm happy enough.

''I just wanted to get out there, try my best and enjoy it. I didn't really get uptight about hitting a bad shot.

''I was a bit more calm and collected this time, more pumped up than nervous. I hit a two-iron 290 yards off the first.'' McIlroy is unfazed by the huge amount of attention showered on him after his opening 68.

''I got to bed around 10 o'clock and I was up at six so I didn't have much time to dwell on it which was probably a good thing,'' he said.

''I haven't ever played in front of crowds like today. This was my first taste and it didn't bother me at all.'' Reuters BJR DB2029